Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

- Do you love sewing, AND are passionate about fighting the climate and ecological crises?

by Zoe Edwards

About Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

- Do you love sewing, AND are passionate about fighting the climate and ecological crises? - Are you wondering if your sewing could be made more sustainable? - Do you want to enjoy your creative passion in a way that really reflects your values? Join Zoe Edwards, a sewing nerd and creator of Me-Made-May, on her journey to explore how to sew (and live!) more sustainably. In this podcast we discover ways to sew with sustainability in mind, by flexing our creativity and resourcefulness in new and exciting ways. Check Your Thread’s goal is to show that sewing more sustainably can be fun and fulfil

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Episodes

New episodes usually drop on Mondays.Latest 200 episodes in the feed

Nov 9, 2026 · 30 min

#247: Visible Mending: a Sight and Sign of Privilege? – Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

Obviously, as a listener of this podcast, you’re a fan of keeping existing items in use for as long as possible. But what do the different approaches to mending signify in different contexts? Guest-host Kat Camfield continues her conversation with academic and crafter Kathryn DeZur which explores some of the layers within this question. Plus they discuss reaching a creative flow state, and the importance of…
Oct 26, 2026 · 0 min

#246: Protecting Our Creativity From Capitalism – Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

Have you ever thought about how capitalism might be impacting your creativity? Often we can find ourselves feeling guilty when we are engaging in activities that don’t adhere to society’s definition of productivity. Yet we KNOW that our creative pursuits help keep us whole and sane. So how can we protect our creative practices? Epic guest-host Kat Camfield talks to academic and crafter Kathryn DeZur about some of…
Oct 19, 2026 · 50 min

#245: The State of Sewing – Knit + Stitch Show 2026

The big sewing shows are potentially a great opportunity to find out what’s going on currently in both the sewing industry and the community. I spent four days earlier this month at the Knit + Stitch show at Alexandra Palace trying to get a sense of both. I recorded conversations with three previous CYT guests and one new voice who you will adore, each sharing their take on what’s going on with sewing more broadly,…
Oct 12, 2026 · 59 min

#244: Holding and Working to Your Values with Tatjana Harttung

Have you ever found yourself having to justify your values, creativity or worth? I recently had a conversation with psychotherapist and coach, Tatjana Harttung, for her podcast, The Human Greenhouse, which explored that experience, and plenty more. Tatjana kindly allowed me to share our chat on the CYT feed as well as we touched on so many topics that are fundamental to this podcast also. We discuss our experiences…
Oct 6, 2026 · 37 min

#243: Sew The Precious

Imagine if all of us sewists piled up the contents of our fabric collections into one big heap. That would be a huge amount of fabric! Collectively we have A LOT of beautiful and useful fabric already in our possession that just isn’t getting used. You know me, I’m nosey, I want to know WHY that is! Why aren’t we using the pieces we love? And what would it take for us to actually cut into it? This is a community…

Earlier episodes (195)

Sep 28, 2026 #242: Quiet Care from Loose Ends – Kat Camfield with Masey Kaplan
As crafters, we usually develop a personal bond with our creative projects. But we might not consider the value and importance our crafting projects have for those close to us. And what do you do if a half finished project started by someone close to you falls into your possession that you are unable to finish? Amazing guest host, Kat Camfield, talks to Masey Kaplan, the co-creator of Loose Ends: a non-profit that…
Sep 21, 2026 #241: Teatowel Treasures and a Charity Shop Crawl with Ros Williams
Do you enjoy the challenge of making new things out of old? My guest for this week’s episode, Ros Williams, reconnected with her sewing machine during lockdown and has been transforming existing textiles in incredibly creative ways ever since. She even co-organised a charity shop crawl around her area in Edinburgh to help others access and give new life to what already exists in the world.  Support the podcast…
Sep 14, 2026 #240: Haptic & Hue – Stories Through a Textile Lens with Jo Andrews
Jo Andrews is the creator of Haptic & Hue, the podcast through which she uncovers fascinating stories always through the lens of textiles, many of which might otherwise have been lost. A professional reporter and correspondent, Jo leaves me awe with her incredible story telling skills. I got to ask her tons of questions about the creation and impact of Haptic and Hue, all posed by the amazing patrons of CYT. …
Sep 7, 2026 #239: Replay – Explaining Deadstock Fabric with The New Craft House
Many of us sewers feel confused and even wary of the term deadstock fabric. Does buying fabric labelled ‘deadstock' really save it from landfill or incineration? Or are we enabling fabric producers and fashion brands to get away with overproduction, incentivising it even? And what’s the difference between ‘deadstock’ and ‘overstock’, and how, as consumers, can we tell the difference?  This week, you’ll hear my…
Aug 31, 2026 #238: Replay – 5 Ways to Update Unworn Me-Mades
Right now, the weather is shifting from one season to another, and the clothing items we’re reaching for are altering accordingly. But it’s most likely you’ll find that some of those items, for whatever reason, just aren’t pieces you want to wear these days. So what can be done about that, aside from donating them and starting a ton of new sewing projects? In this week’s solo replay episode, I’ll share my method…
Aug 24, 2026 #237: Replay – Activism in Real Life with Beedy Parker
Do the climate and ecological crises just feel too massive to deal with sometimes? When it all feels so overwhelming, it can be tempting to tap out completely and disengage. That’s totally understandable. However, my guest for this episode, Beedy Parker, shows us that it is entirely possible to participate in climate related activism and action, whilst continuing to lead a happy and exciting life. From attempting…
Aug 17, 2026 #236: Replay – Sewing When Your Wardrobe is Full
Is your wardrobe stuffed with me-mades? Whatever role garment sewing plays in your life, after a while, the clothes can really start to pile up. So how can we continue to take pleasure in sewing, without adding to your problem of too many clothes? Image source: Megan Lee via UnSplash This episode was originally released in February 2024 as Ep. #123 Idea No. 1: Challenging ourselves. Hear more about hand stitching…
Jul 27, 2026 #235: Make Quilts Political Again Kat Camfield with Lorraine Woodruff-Long
Textiles have a long history of being used for political discourse and protest. Lorraine Woodruff-Long is a self-taught and now award-winning quilt artist who is continuing that tradition today by creating exciting and powerful work on political and social issues that are important to her. Legendary guest-host Kat Camfield talks to Lorraine about her journey from marketing professional to artist and teacher, her…
Jul 20, 2026 #234: Making Sewing Accessible for All Genders with Tony Rea
Can a stereotypically female activity such as sewing be an appropriate medium through which to tackle male loneliness and isolation? This is a question that return-guest and GBSB finalist, Tony Rea, has been tasked to help answer. In this episode, Tony tells us all about the pilot of an awesome endeavor he’s involved in called Thread Brothers. We also get into the weeds about traditionally gendered crafts and…
Jul 13, 2026 233: No Stupid Sewing Questions with Julia Hincks
I’m a firm believer that there are NO stupid questions when it comes to sewing. If you need to ask it, even if it’s something you think you should probably already know, then it’s valid. But it’s not always easy to find the answers you’re looking for. So I’ve asked my guest, sewing author and expert dressmaking teacher, Julia Hincks, on the podcast to talk about her new beginner’s guide to dressmaking book AND to…
Jul 6, 2026 #232: Magic and Movement for Makers – Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil
Have you ever consciously infused your handmade garments with personal magic? And how can we create clothing that feels like emotionally protective armour? This is the second part of guest-host Kat Camfield’s amazing conversation with textile artist Justice McNeil from Thread + Sprout. They touch on so many topics, including pattern instructions that work better for some neurodivergent brains, and the importance of…
Jun 29, 2026 #231: A Business Based on Scraps – Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil
Is it possible to create a successful sewing business making desirable products using scraps that allows you to leave your corporate job? Spoiler alert: Yes! Amazing guest-host Kat Camfield talks to Justice McNeil about the origin story of her inspiring business, Thread + Sprout, and how it’s evolved into something quite different, but equally inspiring.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Justice McNeil’s…
Jun 22, 2026 #230: How to Teach Repair Skills with Jeanna & Mary
Are you ready to share mending skills with others? Mary Morton and Jeanna Wigger, authors of the excellent book, ‘Stitch It, Don’t Ditch It’, have a ton of practical advice learned through hosting lots of in-person mending events. We discuss the different event formats for sharing skills, how to coordinate with venues and the best free resources available to support your efforts.  Plus, there’s audio from the…
Jun 15, 2026 #229: Further Fabric Confessions with Lise Bauer
To be honest, this episode’s link to sustainability is very tenuous, but when repeat-guest Lise Bauer hits you up saying she needs to talk - you drop everything and talk. The main topic of conversation is where we’re both at with the latest round of the Last Sewist Standing challenge. I wonder if our statuses will surprise you…. Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Lise and the Last Sewist Standing challenge…
Jun 8, 2026 #228: Crafting with Neurodivergence with Kim Witten
Whether or not you identify as neurodivergent, you’re going to want to hear this episode. In Episode 222, Kim Witten and I requested submissions about people’s experiences of neurodivergence and craft. My goodness did we receive a fascinating selection of submissions. If you are at all interested in people, how they think and move through the world, you’re going to love this episode.  Support the podcast over…
May 26, 2026 #227: Threading Change – Kat Camfield with Sophia Yang
Those of us who make some or all of our own clothes ourselves might feel like we’ve opted out of the fashion industry. However, as citizens of this planet and feminists, we can’t ignore the problems caused by clothing and fabric production. And, in fact, us home sewers might be well placed to have a huge positive impact. Because, as Sophia Yang, the founder of the world’s leading youth-led ethical fashion NGO,…
May 19, 2026 #226: Sashiko, The Untold Story with Atsushi Futatsuya
Most of us think of sashiko as a type of visible mending that we discovered via Instagram or Pinterest. But what actually is sashiko, and how should we engage with it? Is it an artform to be revered and put on display? A common household practice borne out of necessity, used for survival? Is it a form of meditation? Or some lovely hand stitching patterns we can emulate to fix and customise our jeans? Atsushi…
May 11, 2026 #225: Destashing Online with Caroline from Destasher
There are lots of online marketplaces out there through which you can sell or give away your unwanted crafting materials, but they all have their drawbacks. Destasher is a new UK -based platform JUST for sewists and yarn crafters wanting to buy, sell, giveaway or claim materials and supplies within the maker community. Its creator, Caroline, tells me what makes Destasher such a great option for those of us trying…
May 4, 2026 #224: Sewing When You’re Skint
I love hearing and reading practical tips for how to stay creative when your budget is tight. But what is rarely acknowledged in those types of content is how rubbish and frustrating trying to maintain a creative hobby when you’re skint actually feels. In this episode, we acknowledge and gently challenge some of those negative feelings, so that applying those practical tips feels positive and rewarding. …
Apr 27, 2026 #223: An Alternative Fashion Future with Charlotte from Stitched Up
The next installment of the SIDDI tour with Jeanna and Mary. I speak to Charlotte from Stitched Up - a Manchester-based not-for-profit with the goal of building an alternative fashion future by sharing sewing, mending and upcycling skills, and facilitating clothing swaps and textile recycling. I spoke to Charlotte Vinsen who freelances with Stitched Up, about what Stitched Up do, how it works and who it’s for. I…
Apr 20, 2026 #222: Neurodiversity and Craft with Kim Witten
In recent years there’s been a growing amount of research and understanding around neurodiversity: the variety of ways in which different people’s brains and nervous systems work. With more and more people getting formerly diagnosed, or at least identifying as being neurospicy to some degree, regular guest, Kim Witten, who is a coach, writer and one of my cleverest friends, is back on the podcast to explore what it…
Apr 13, 2026 #221: Upcycling Secrets – Kat Camfield with Brynn, Emily & Meagan
What are the biggest challenges AND the biggest joys of running a business making products from upcycled textiles? Legendary guest interviewer, Kat Camfield, has rounded up three intensely talented Canadian upcyclers: Brynn from B-Bot Clothing, Emily from Woodbrick and Meagan from Salt Legacy. We hear how they each started their businesses and their different approaches to the same problem: trying to divert textile…
Mar 23, 2026 #220: How to Save and Make Money with Sewing
No one should feel obligated to use their sewing skills and free time for anything they don’t want to use them for. However, if funds are tight, you might decide to look into how sewing can save, or even make, some money. In this episode you’ll hear from some members of the CYT Patreon community and subscribers to the CYT newsletter, about how they save money, and also make money, with sewing. If it’s something…
Mar 16, 2026 #219: Flux-Friendly Sewing Patterns with Sasha Starlight
It is inevitable that our body’s shape and size will fluctuate over time, be that over the course of a day, a week, a month or a number of years. As more-sustainable sewists who want to get a lot of use from the items we make, we should be factoring in these body changes when planning our projects. So does that mean that everything we make should look like a potato sack? Pattern designer, Sasha Starlight, explains…
Mar 9, 2026 #218: Fabric Confessions with Lise Bauer
Do you fancy a fun catch up with repeat guest Lise Bauer? Of course you do! In this episode we find out what has changed with Lise’s relationship with her fabric stash, and we both make confessions regarding recent fabric purchases. Lise also makes a strong case for attending a Frocktails event, and suggests a different way to engage with social media.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! The costumes made by…
Mar 2, 2026 #217: Mending for Mental Wellbeing with Rebecca from The Big Fandango
All of us are aware of and enjoy many of the mental health benefits of crafting, making and mending. Rebecca Jackson understands this better than most, having experienced one of the worst things someone can go through. It led her to set up The Big Fandango five years ago in Bury, just outside Manchester in the UK. The Big Fandango is a social enterprise with workshop space that creates and nurtures community and…
Feb 16, 2026 #216 : Replay – No Small Business on a Dead Planet
It seems like every day, another small craft business announces that it’s closing down. In this solo episode I’m looking at the causes. What can we do to both support small businesses AND buy less new stuff for the sake of our planet? Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image source: Tim Mossholder via Unsplash Find out more about the Last Sewist Standing challenge: Ep. #118: Last Sewist Standing with Lise Bauer…
Feb 9, 2026 #215: How to Dress Kids More Sustainably with Izzie from ApparelXchange
You’ll have heard me say it a ton of times before: sewing clothes yourself isn’t necessarily the most sustainable way to clothe yourself or your family. But obviously, you’ll be prizing my sewing machine out of my cold, dead hands. However, with literal mountains of existing garments already in the world, there are plenty of other ways to source clothing with a reduced environmental and social impact. In this…
Feb 2, 2026 #214: Is Inclusivity Enough? – Kat Camfield with Frances from Sincere Studio
Many of us experience the sewing and crafting communities as a welcoming haven in which we find self expression, safety and belonging. But just how inclusive are sewing spaces, both virtual and IRL? And how can we build them better? Guest host Kat Camfield is back with an incredible conversation with Frances Andonopoulos, the visionary behind a different kind of sewing school, Sincere Studio in Portland, Oregon.…
Jan 26, 2026 #213: A Self-Sufficient Maker with Shams el-Din Rogers
What does it take to be a self-sufficient maker? How do we acquire our knowledge? And to what extent are we subject to crafting influencers and advertising? This is the second part of my most recent conversation with return guest Shams el-Din Rogers, in which we explore this idea. We also share what’s giving us hope as we push into 2026.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Shams el-Din Rogers…
Jan 19, 2026 Episode 212: Creativity, Craft and Clutter with Shams el-Din Rogers
I’m guessing that most of us find that a cluttered crafting space affects our creativity. It can also lead to over buying when you repurchase something you already own but weren’t able to locate. Very good friend of the podcast, Shams el-Din Rogers, is back to talk to me about the tactics she’s been using to get her space and her in check, and the impact that’s having on her creativity. Maybe these are tactics that…
Jan 12, 2026 #211: More Sewing, Less Overwhelm with Sew Hayley Jane
Whether or not you’re a New Year’s Resolutions kind of person, setting some intentions about what you’d like more or less of in your life as you head into a new year can feel really positive. All of us want to spend more time making and being creative, and less time being sold to. My guest, Hayley from Sew Hayley Jane, and I discuss the issues faced by makers and small business owners when it comes to navigating…
Dec 22, 2025 #210: How Frugality Builds Community with Mariel Davies
Do you want to feel more connected to the place you live and the people who also live there? Then consider not buying new fabric. My guest, Berlin-based Mariel Davies, chooses to live a frugal lifestyle, both to reduce waste, and to create and deepen her connections with others. We also discuss the gamification of resource acquisition, and her radical approach to gift giving.  Support the podcast over on…
Dec 15, 2025 #209: Mending ideas you never thought of
Whether or not you plan to participate in the Winter of Care and Repair challenge, we all have items we’re responsible for maintaining. Although, if you’re anything like me, there might be things you don’t even notice that are well within your control to improve, and will make your life better as a result. In this episode, we hear from a bunch of amazing CYT Patrons about what items they intend to fix over the…
Dec 8, 2025 #208: Challenging Consumption and Perfectionism with Jeanna Wigger
PSA: The Winter of Care and Repair challenge is kicking off on 21st December! I used its imminence as an excuse to talk to the challenge’s creator, mending expert and author Jeanna Wigger, about the wider impact participating has had for her. Jeanna tells me how it’s helped her shift her consumption habits, challenge her perfectionism and reframe her ideas around productivity. Maybe it will do something similar for…
Dec 1, 2025 #207: Style Shifts and Sustainability with Lindsay Ashworth Fraser
We all experience shifts in our personal style. Usually, those shifts are gradual, but occasionally they can happen rapidly. My friend, freelance musician and singer, Lindsay Ashworth Fraser and I are both at a style crossroads ourselves. In this episode, we talk about where we’ve found ourselves stylistically, what brought us here, what’s next and how to ethically pass on the items that are no longer serving…
Nov 24, 2025 #206: How to Sew More Sustainably for Kids
Is there any point in trying to sew more sustainably for kids when they’re just going to grow out of their clothes in five minutes? Of course there is! And there are a TON of ways to do it. From pattern and fabric selection, to ensuring durability and repairability, in this solo episode we cover ways to create clothes that the kids you’re sewing for will love to wear, for as long as possible.  Support the…
Nov 17, 2025 #205: Selling Fabric More Sustainably with Tanya Brooman
Does shopping for natural fibres and more sustainable fabrics mean that you’re limited to solid colours in muted tones? Do you have to ignore your love of vibrant colour and bold prints? My guest today would answer “NO!” to both these questions. Tanya Brooman from Bornella Fabrics tells me about the sustainability ethos that underpins her fabric business, and what most frustrates her about the fabric industry…
Nov 10, 2025 #204: The Sewing Machine, A Novel – Kat Camfield with Natalie Fergie
Guest interviewer, Kat Camfield, is talking to author Natalie Fergie about Natalie’s incredible historical novel, The Sewing Machine. Based on real, historical events that took place at the Singer Sewing Machine factory in Scotland, the novel follows two families: one belonging to a worker at the factory who went on strike, the other belonging to the owner of one of the sewing machines that the striker helped make.…
Oct 27, 2025 #203: Sewing with Scraps with Birgitta Helmersson & Sam Grose
As a garment sewer conscious of waste, you know how quickly fabric scraps leftover from your projects can build up. But imagine you run an entire clothing brand range committed to saving and using up every piece of scrap. Designers Birgitta Helmersson and Sam Grose tell me about their brand, Helgrose, that operates in precisely this way. Plus, they’ve just written an awesome new book that shares the main three…
Oct 20, 2025 #202: London Fabric Swap 2025
Do you fancy coming with me on a little vicarious trip to a fabric swap? A couple of weeks ago I attended the London fabric swap organised by Yvette from Stash Hub app and Tanya from Bornella fabrics. I recorded a bunch of little conversations with both of them and lots of the attendees, so you can get the skinny on what it was like to organise the event and to attend and swap sewing supplies there. Support the…
Oct 13, 2025 #201: Making Check Your Thread – with Zoe & Kat, Part 2
Are you ready for a second dose of behind the scenes podcast and sewing chat? Guest interviewer Kat Camfield and I continue our conversation. We get into the joys of Patreon and how it’s evolved for creators, what my own favourite podcasts to listen to are (none of which are about sewing!) and what my favourite sewing snack is (spoiler: it’s actually a liquid!). Plus! Kat has a surprise for me… Kat Camfield is a…
Oct 6, 2025 #200: Making CYT with Zoe & Kat, Part 1
This week’s episode is the 200th episode! To mark this podcasting milestone, I had the honour of being quizzed by previous-guest interviewer, Kat Camfield. This week’s and next week’s episodes are basically a full-on behind the scenes chat about how this podcast gets made and what it's taught me. Today you’ll hear about what I’ve deliberately changed about the podcast since I started it, what I would have been…
Sep 29, 2025 #199: Wardrobe Curation and Care
We're talking about the curation of a successful, handmade wardrobe and how to select sewing projects with care so that you’re creating items that reflect who you are and that say what you want them to say. We’ll also consider how style trends factor into creating a more sustainable wardrobe, and how to make sure your garment projects will be suitable for the life you really lead. This episode has been taken for…
Sep 22, 2025 #198: Shopping Strategically with Numba Pinkerton
You probably think that working with a stylist, particularly once you’ve had your colours analysed, would involve them then trying to convince you to buy, or in our case make, a load of new clothes. That’s what I’ve always assumed. But over the summer I got to catch up with previous guest, stylist Numba Pinkerton, in real life in her home in Scotland. Our conversation proved that my assumption, at least as far as…
Sep 15, 2025 #197: Can I Dig It? Podcast – Glut Management Tactics
This episode is from Zoe’s other podcast: Can I Dig It? - Food Growing for Busy People. If you’ve grown, foraged, bought or received a large amount of fresh produce, here’s how to deal with it and not let it go to waste! Check out the Can I Dig It Podcast's Patreon page! Can I Dig It? is made by:  Pippa Chapman, @pippachapman_thoseplantpeople on Instagram, and Pippa Chapman Permaculture on YouTube. Zoe…
Sep 8, 2025 #196: Eco Printing – Kat Camfield with Carly from Lorelei Textile Design
You are probably aware of natural dyeing, but have you heard of eco printing? As we’ll hear in this episode, eco printing comes under the umbrella of natural dyeing but the process involves taking botanicals in the original form and using them to print onto fabric in patterns created according to how they’re arranged. This episode has been made for CYT by friend of the podcast, Kat Camfield, who is a sewing teacher…
Sep 1, 2025 #195: Replay – Introduction to Pattern Hacking
Have you ever tried pattern hacking? By which I mean, making changes to a sewing pattern to create a garment that looks slightly, or wildly, different to the original design. This episode is a wide ranging introduction to the topic. Whether you are new to this practice, or are a more seasoned ‘hacker’, by the end of this you should feel emboldened by the infinite possibilities!   Support the podcast over…
Aug 26, 2025 #194: Replay – Fabric First with Rachel Kirby
Could you sew only with second hand fabric? No more fabric shopping, only thrifting and receiving donations. Would that feel frustrating, or would it unlock some inner creativity and resourcefulness? Space scientist and passionate maker, Rachel Kirby, sews almost exclusively within this limitation, and she shares how and why it works for her.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Rachel Kirby can be found…
Aug 18, 2025 #193: Replay – Introduction to Garment Fabrics
A garment project that fails because it’s made from unsuitable fabric is both heartbreaking and costly. But navigating the selection available in fabric shops and online can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re new to garment sewing, or have recently returned after some years. So in this solo episode, we’re going back to the basics of fabric. We’ll be laying the foundations on which to build our knowledge of…
Aug 11, 2025 #192: Replay – Stashes and Spaces with Shams el-Din Rogers
How does the space we create in affect the resources we collect, and vice versa? And why did the Ikea look become the default, acceptable aesthetic for spaces dedicated to sewing? Textile activist Shams el-Din Rogers and I have a fun and thought-provoking conversation about fabric stashes, storage and space. As always, Shams brings her insight and wisdom as we explore many of the implications of these topics as…
Jul 21, 2025 #191: Stitch it, Don’t Ditch it with Mary Morton & Jeanna Wigger
A new mending book is about to land in bookshops around the globe, and it’s something really special. It’s the creation of regular CYT guest and mending expert, Jeanna Wigger, and super experienced mending volunteer and organiser, Mary Morton. In this episode, we’re going to hear all about how this excellent book came to be written by two women who had never even met each other, and exactly what makes ‘Stitch it,…
Jul 14, 2025 #190: Sewing and the Four Tendencies with Jeanna, Kim & Lise
How do you respond to expectations? How easy is it for you to get things done, both the things that are asked of you, and the things you want to achieve yourself? And how does that play out in your sewing and creative life? We’re taking a deep dive into the Four Tendencies framework devised by writer and podcaster, Gretchen Rubin. Understanding how we, and those around us operate, can be so useful in achieving our…
Jul 7, 2025 #189: Are Zoe & Lise still in Last Sewist Standing?
Last Sewist Standing, for those who may be new to this podcast, is the no-buy sewing supplies challenge created by Lise Bauer. The challenge is in its fifth year, and 2025 is my second time participating. It’s time for a catch up with Lise, and to answer the question that no one is asking: are Lise and myself still in the running??? Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find my new podcast ‘Can I Dig It? Food…
Jun 30, 2025 #188: Stop Wearing Black! Colour Choice with Numba Pinkerton
Have you ever made a garment that you thought you were going to love, but ended up rarely reaching for it because you’ve realised that the colours drains you, or somehow makes you feel meh? It’s so disheartening when that happens. So this week I’m talking to stylist and colour consultant, Numba Pinkerton, about how to make successful colour choices for our garment projects, and the rest of our wardrobes. Plus,…
Jun 23, 2025 #187: Spicy questions in the Virtual Sewing Room
How do I resist temptation whilst working in a fabric shop? Do I feel conflicted working for a fabric company whilst also personally promoting a reduction in consumption? Just two of the fun and occasionally spicy questions posed to me when I was invited to chat with attendees in the Virtual Sewing Room at the beginning of the year. Support the podcast over on Patreon! My blouse that I rarely wear because I feel…
Jun 16, 2025 #186: What sewing machine technicians actually do with Bizz McKilligan
What do sewing machine repair and servicing professionals do that you can’t do yourself at home? And what CAN you do at home to make problems with your machine less likely? And what noises coming from your machine should you definitely NOT ignore? These are just some of the many questions that sewing machine technician, Bizz McKilligan, answers for us today. I first spoke to Bizz over a year ago when she’d just…
Jun 9, 2025 #185: The Best Knitwear Repair Techniques with Skye Pennant
For most of us who sew our own clothes, basic garment repairs are not often a huge challenge. However, encountering knit items that are thinning or have holes? That can feel like a whole other ball game, especially if you’re not a knitter. In this episode professional repairer, educator and author, Skye Pennant, teaches us our scotch darn from our honeycomb darn, and shares her sometimes controversial opinions on…
Jun 2, 2025 #184: Mending and Overcoming Perfectionism with Skye Pennant
Believing that we won’t be great at something can hold some of us back from giving it a go in the first place. And for those who are confirmed perfectionists, this belief can be even more of a barrier. Skye Pennant, creator of Slow Stitch Club, is a professional mender, mending educator and author, but suffers daily with perfectionism and imposter syndrome. If you experience those tendencies yourself, Skye has some…
May 26, 2025 #183: Get Your Stash Sorted!
We’ve been talking about reducing our fabric stashes so we can feel well stocked, but not overwhelmed. But once we’ve passed on the pieces of fabric that we honestly can’t see ourselves sewing, what are we meant to do with what’s left? How can we store it so that its contents are both accessible AND inspiring to us? I’ve developed an organisation method that I call the Seasonal Stash System. In this episode, I…
May 19, 2025 #182: How to Organise a Fabric Swap with Nike Baruwa
During the last few episodes we’ve been talking about reducing our fabric stashes: the idea being that our collection would then make us feel well stocked but not encumbered. But once you’ve selected the pieces that you can’t honestly see yourself sewing, what are you meant to do with them? There are a number of options, but fabric swaps have got to be one of the most fun AND most ethical ways of passing on what…
May 12, 2025 #181: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 2
How do you feel about your fabric collection? If there are any uncomfortable feelings that are preventing you from feeling excited and inspired by what you have, it might be time to consciously reduce how much you own. In Episode #180, we heard from a bunch of lovely CYT listeners who have successfully reduced their fabric stashes, and they shared what mindset shifts and practical steps worked for them. This…
May 5, 2025 #180: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 1
Fabric collections elicit all sorts of feelings. Ideally, they're a source of inspiration that gets our creative juices flowing. But for some of us, especially when the amount we own is out of sync with the speed at which we sew, we might grow to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or even guilty about the resources we’ve accumulated. This episode is Part 1 of a practical deep dive into HOW to do it, so you can reach a…
Apr 28, 2025 #179: The Five Fabrics Rule with Judith Staley
As makers, we need materials to create with. And a love of beautiful textiles is often part of why we got into sewing in the first place. But as residents of a planet experiencing a climate and ecological crisis, we need to be mindful of what we’re consuming and how much. So is there a way to indulge in fabric purchasing that’s also inline with what’s best for our planet? My guest this week, Judith Staley, has…
Apr 7, 2025 #178 What you should know about fitting with Kate Roberts
Those of us who make our own clothes know that taking the time to make a toile or muslin, and altering our sewing patterns to fit our own bodies are steps we ought to take. We know that they’ll result in better fitting garments that we’ll want to wear more often. But these steps can feel like huge hurdles when you don’t know what to do with a toile or muslin once you’ve made it. Drafting and fitting expert, Kate…
Mar 31, 2025 #177: Me-Made-May Explained in Under 5 Minutes
Once again, it’s time to consider participating in Me-Made-May, the annual wardrobe challenge I accidentally started 16 years ago. This episode is a super quick explainer, or refresher, on what the challenge is all about and how you can participate.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! For a lengthier, fuller explanation of the challenge, what it is, what it isn’t, how to participate and why you might want…
Mar 24, 2025 #176: Creating Connection Through Embellishment with Cal Patch
I’m guessing that there are at least a few garments in your wardrobe that fit you ok, but you’ve kind of fallen out of love with. Or maybe you fancy injecting even more of your personality and style into your handmade wardrobe. This week I’m bringing you a conversation with legendary sewing and craft teacher, Cal Patch. Cal shares heaps of tips, tricks and info on how you could go about embellishing your clothes to…
Mar 17, 2025 #175: The Secret History of Quilt Making with Deb McGuire
Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been looking at how to make quilts more sustainable, but what do you know about the quilt makers that came before us? What motivated their practices and influenced their designs? What techniques were deployed to be as economical with their fabric and fibres as possible? Did they make their quilts alone? And how did quilt making change with the introduction of the sewing machine?…
Mar 10, 2025 #174: How to Make Quilts More Sustainably
Do you dabble in quilt making? Or are you curious to give it a go someday? Well this episode is PACKED full of amazing tips submitted by CYT listeners on how to do so more sustainably. So you can get maximum enjoyment from the process and finished item, whilst knowing that the negative impact it had on the environment is just about as low as it could get. Support the podcast over on Patreon! (image source: Dinh…
Mar 3, 2025 #173: Quilting Through Burnout with Radha Weaver
Hopefully, full-on burnout is not something you have, or will, experience yourself. However, we all encounter periods of pressure and stress. My guest, Radha Weaver, is a recovering overachiever who worked in a demanding role at Levi’s for fifteen years. Travelling all over the globe developing multiple product lines eventually proved too much, and it was sewing and quilt making that Radha turned to to reconnect…
Feb 24, 2025 #172: Sewing More Sustainably in the Virtual Sewing Room
Get a sneak peek into the Virtual Sewing Room, a business set up by Jenny Babey that offers online connection with other makers around the globe. Jenny invited me to talk in the VSR last month about my specialist subject: sewing more sustainably. You’ll hear from Jenny about what drew her to setting it up and why you might want to attend, and then you’ll hear the first half of the session I participated in. We get…
Feb 17, 2025 #171: Restoring and Upcycling Vintage Clothing with Debbie Murphy
Do you love bringing new life into existing clothes? How do you decide when a vintage garment should be faithfully restored, or upcycled and transformed? And what is the environmental impact of saving old clothes from landfill anyway? This week I’m bringing you a fascinating conversation with micro-business owner, Debbie Murphy. Debbie explains how a youth spent sewing clothes to fit in with the style tribes of the…
Feb 11, 2025 #170: Curtains to Couture with Marcia Riddington and Lisa Hughes
Do you have a passion for vintage textiles but have yet to work them into your wardrobe? Are you unsure of how to deal with the limited yardage of thrifted textiles? Marcia Riddington and Lisa Hughes, along with the rest of their collective, ‘Curtains for Couture’, share a desire to demystify working with existing textiles and to encourage people to wear what they really want. In this episode, Lisa and Marcia share…
Feb 3, 2025 #169: Mending Motivation
Do you find that sometimes you lack the necessary motivation to tackle your mending tasks? Like many Check Your Thread listeners, you might be taking part in the Winter of Care and Repair challenge at the moment, and the zeal you experienced at the beginning might be flagging at this point. But even if you’re not participating in that challenge, today I’m bringing you a dose of motivation to help you tackle the…
Jan 27, 2025 #168: Is DIY Publishing the Future of Sewing? with Liz Haywood
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, a whole industry has built up around home sewing with the primary goal of selling us lots of stuff. Most businesses rely on shifting a large volume of products, so much of what’s been designed for us is pretty bland and homogenous, including a lot of what comes out of the traditional publishing industry. However, some creators are sharing their sewing knowledge by creating really…
Jan 20, 2025 #167: No-Rules Outdoor Clothing Repair with from Rosanna Snowdonia Gear Repair
Outdoor clothing and equipment often pose some very specific problems when they start to break. This is my second episode with Rosanna Watson from Snowdonia Gear Repair, and in this one she offers up tips for repairing down and puffy jackets, and items with seams and zips that are glued. And, on top of sharing her practical advice, Rosanna puts everything into perspective with her repair philosophy: that you don’t…
Jan 13, 2025 #166: Pro Tips for Outdoor Wear Care and Repair with Rosanna from Snowdonia Gear Repair
The clothes and equipment you buy to spend time outdoors often requires a sizable investment. And when they break, the idea of fixing them yourself might seem pretty daunting. Over the next two episodes, repair-expert Rosanna from Snowdonia Gear Repair, is talking us through the repairs you can tackle yourself at home, to keep your favourite jacket or backpack in use for longer. Rosanna also advises on what to look…
Jan 6, 2025 #165: 5 Easy Garment Care Habits to Adopt in 2025
If I asked you what you consider fun, my guess is that laundry and garment care do not immediately spring to mind. However, keeping our clothing in good, wearable condition for as long as possible, is an important part of living more sustainably. And it really doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. I’m about to share five simple practices that, if you turn them into habits, will give your clothes the best…
Dec 16, 2024 #164: Sewing Wins and Fails in 2024 with Lise and Meg
Are you ready to wrap up 2024, to look back at a year’s worth of sewing wins and fails, and consider some hopes and plans for 2025? I got together with two of your favourite previous podcast guests, Lise Bauer and Meg Grandstaff, to have this unapologetically lengthy conversation. So if you’ve got a long journey this festive season, or you need some company during a stint in the kitchen, let the three of us join…
Dec 9, 2024 #163: How to Effect Change This Winter with Jeanna Wigger
Did you participate in the Winter of Care and Repair challenge last year? Do you plan to do so this year? I’m welcoming Jeanna Wigger, the challenge’s creator and host, back onto the podcast. Jeanna and I have both been thinking about how we can use the challenge to implement the changes we want to see in the world, on a personal level, community level and global level. Jeanna and I share what important actions we…
Dec 2, 2024 #162: How to Solve Your Next Sewing Problem with Kim Witten
Do you find yourself coming up against sewing related problems that leave you stumped and that subsequently sap your momentum? Today, regular CYT guest and our resident coach, Kim Witten, explains how to work through our stumbling blocks swiftly and effectively. To do this, Kim shares a series of five simple questions to ask ourselves that break down any daunting challenge into something far more manageable and…
Nov 25, 2024 #161: How to Refashion with Portia Lawrie
Are you a regular refashioner of existing textiles? Perhaps you’re into the idea of it, but aren’t sure where to start. Portia Lawrie is a committed refashioner who came on the podcast a year and a half ago to talk about why more of our sewing projects should involve refashioning, and what the benefits are. This week, Portia is back to talk about how to do it. In this conversation, we cover what to look for when…
Nov 18, 2024 #160: What We Do Now
The results of the recent US elections represent a massive blow to the future of our planet. The fight for equality and all forms of social justice have also suffered a huge setback. So, what do we do now? Support the podcast over on Patreon! (image source: Lucas Favre via Unsplash)  I outlined the mission and values of Check Your Thread in the following episode: Ep. #71: Making Personal Manifestos with Kim…
Nov 11, 2024 #159: Small and Shared Space Sewing, Part 2
Many of us sew in a small space, or in an area of our home that’s also used for other activities and by other people. If that’s you, how’s the space working for you? Whatever the constraints of your space, there are tons of changes you can make and heaps of tips that you can deploy to make things work more smoothly. Today’s episode is a guide that collates all the awesome ideas from last week’s episode, with a…
Nov 4, 2024 #158: Small and Shared Space Sewing, Part 1
Is the space you have for sewing pretty small? Or maybe you sew in a space that is shared with other people and also used for other activities? Or perhaps your sewing space is both small AND shared? We’re spending this week’s and next week’s episodes finding out how we can make these situations work better for ourselves, so that we can have successful and fulfilling sewing lives, no matter the configuration. Today…
Oct 28, 2024 #157: The challenges and joys of micro business with Bevan O’Daly
How does a small business advertise the products it sells so it can stay afloat without encouraging over consumption? In the second part of my conversation with Bevan O’Daly,  owner of Bawn Textiles, we hear how she navigates this conundrum. Bevan also explains the difference between a small business and a micro business, and the additional challenges faced by the latter. Plus we get a fascinating view into…
Oct 21, 2024 #156: How to Run an Ethical Textiles Shop with Bevan O’Daly
If you ran a shop that supported makers to create more sustainably, what would it look like, and what would you stock? Bevan O’Daly is the owner of Glasgow-based Bawn Textiles and her goal is to provide responsibly sourced fabric, yarn and haberdashery for ethically minded makers. In this episode, Bevan tells us about the criteria for the items she stocks, why she sometimes talks customers out of purchasing, and…
Oct 14, 2024 #155: Make it Your Own with Elisalex Jewell
Have you ever made a sewing pattern straight out of the packet and been disappointed with the results? Pattern designer and fitting expert, Elisalex Jewell, gets us excited about the possibilities of pattern hacking and learning to fit clothes to your body. She also talks about how having Orsola de Castro, founder of Fashion Revolution, as a mum impacted her own relationship to fashion and sustainability. Support…
Oct 7, 2024 #154: Clothing Self-Sufficiency
Are you ‘clothing self-sufficient’? If that’s a goal you’re interested in working towards, what are the potential benefits of being on that journey? Inspired by gardening expert Huw Richards, in this solo episode I explore two approaches to clothing self-sufficiency. Support the podcast over on Patreon! (image source: Galina Kondratenko via Unsplash) Follow gardening expert, Huw Richards, on his YouTube channel.…
Sep 23, 2024 #153: The Provenance of Materials and Techniques – Shams with Allie Davis
Are you ready for a bit of a shake up this week? We have a guest host for this episode: we’re in the safe hands of regular guest Shams el-Din Rogers, and of course she’s presented us with an incredible conversation. Shams is talking to Toronto-based textile artist and mending workshop facilitator, Allie Davis. They have a fascinating discussion about whether it’s cultural appropriation or appreciation to teach…
Sep 16, 2024 #152: Sewing for Stillness and Community with Mel Keane
I know that CYT listeners love to hear how sewing is being used to positively impact the lives of others, so I know you’re going to love today’s episode! For years, Mel Keane has been improving the lives of members of her community who are struggling through various types of volunteering. This has included setting up sewing workshops to help people clothe themselves and their families, as well as to build skills…
Sep 9, 2024 #151: Explaining Deadstock Fabric with The New Craft House
Many of us sewers feel confused and even wary of the term deadstock fabric. Does buying fabric labelled ‘deadstock' really save it from landfill or incineration? Or are we enabling fabric producers and fashion brands to get away with overproduction, incentivising it even? And what’s the difference between ‘deadstock’ and ‘overstock’, and how, as consumers, can we tell the difference?  This week, you’ll hear my…
Sep 2, 2024 #150: Momentum and Motivation with Meg Grandstaff
Do you want to hang with me and regular guest Meg Grandstaff as we grill each other about sewing plans and goals, and cackle over basically everything? This episode is a chatty conversation in which we have a catch up about our current creative obsessions, projects and plans.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! You can follow Meg’s sewing and knitting endeavours, as well as learn more about…
Aug 26, 2024 #149: Replay – Harvesting Materials with Eliu Hernandez
This week’s episode provides a window into the ideas and processes of quilt artist Eliu Hernandez. Much of Eliu’s practice focuses on the reuse of existing materials, and he’s taken this further than you might previously have thought possible! I loved nerding out about denim with him, and even if denim isn’t your jam, this conversation may help you take reusing garments to a whole new level. We also discuss the…
Aug 19, 2024 #148: Replay – Mending Workshops with Carla & Meg / Community Glue
We can all agree that mending items when they break to keep them in use out of landfill for longer is important. Repair cafes and organisations have been popping up across the globe to help facilitate keeping stuff in use for longer. But how much do you know about the inner workings of these groups and how they operate? And how much fun is it to volunteer for them, or even start one from scratch? My third replay…
Aug 12, 2024 #147: Replay – The Joy of Reclaimed Fabric with Sarah aka Sew Love NZ
Living in a way that limits your negative impact on the planet gets a bad wrap. It’s often viewed as restrictive, limiting, frustrating, dull, even joyless. This week’s episode is a replay of my conversation with a maker who blows that whole notion completely out the water. Sarah Lancaster, AKA Sarah Sew Love, is a New Zealand based sewing teacher, maker and sustainability phenomenon with a vibrant aesthetic and…
Aug 5, 2024 #146: Replay – Hand Stitching Clothing with Louisa Owen Sonstroem
Have you ever sewn an entire garment by hand? Or even considered it? This week’s episode is a replay of a very popular conversation from the CYT archives with hand-stitching expert Louisa Owen Sonstroem. Louisa explains why you might want to do more stitching by hand rather than machine, and gives advice on how to start.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Louisa Owen Sonstroem has a website and can be…
Jul 22, 2024 #145: 5 Simple Tactics to Save on Sewing
Sometimes sticking to a tight budget can feel really complicated, as well as frustrating. But if you’re looking to spend less on your sewing, then I have five super simple tactics for you that require very little effort to implement. AND, what is even more awesome is that each one will automatically help you reduce the environmental impact on your sewing!  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image source:…
Jul 15, 2024 #144: London Destash Fabric Swap 2024
Attending a fabric swap can be the most fun ever! It’s one of the most ethical ways to offload your unwanted fabric, plus it will also give you access to new-to-you fabric that you’re excited to sew with. AND you’ll get to meet other passionate sewers. In this episode you’ll be coming along with me and friend-of-the-podcast Catherine Weight as we attend the London Destash Fabric Swap. The event took place in…
Jul 8, 2024 #143: No Small Business on a Dead Planet
It seems like every day, another small craft business announces that it’s closing down. In this solo episode I’m looking at the causes. What can we do to both support small businesses AND buy less new stuff for the sake of our planet? Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image source: Tim Mossholder via Unsplash Find out more about the Last Sewist Standing challenge: Ep. #118: Last Sewist Standing with Lise Bauer…
Jul 1, 2024 #142: Values Based Spending and Making with Shams el-Din Rogers
Do you practice values-based spending? You probably do, but possibly never thought of it in such terms. In this episode, regular guest Shams el-Din Rogers and I discuss how to align your spending and your making with what’s really important to you. Plus, Shams and I share what we think, or rather hope, our wardrobes broadcast about ourselves! Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Shams el-Din Rogers on…
Jun 24, 2024 #141: Resourcefulness, Resilience and Wealth with Laura Oldanie
Have you heard of the multiple forms of capital? It’s the theory  that there are numerous ways in which we can be wealthy, beyond our finances. This week’s guest, Laura Oldanie, is a green living and money coach who talks to me about the concepts and the practicalities related to living a rich and resilient life. As makers, we are used to flexing our creativity and resourcefulness. So let’s investigate how we…
Jun 17, 2024 #140: Sew Organised Style Podcast – The Nest Community
This week you will hear an episode of the Sew Organised Style podcast about a social enterprise based in Australia called The Nest Community. The Nest is an incredible charity that empowers women by fostering healing and connection. And they do this important work by keeping existing crafting materials in use and by sharing craft skills and knowledge. Support the podcast over on Patreon! I made my pallet bench at a…
Jun 14, 2024 #139: Behind the Scenes of Podcast Making with Maria Theoharous
This is the second part of my conversation with Maria Theoharous in advance of our feed swap next week. In this part we find out just how organised IS the maker of the Sew Organised Style podcast?! Plus we share which of our previous guests have surprised us and how… Support the podcast over on Patreon! This is the second instalment of a two-part conversation. Listen to the first part: Ep. #138: Making Sewing…
Jun 10, 2024 #138: Making Sewing Podcasts with Maria Theoharous
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to make a sewing podcast? Maybe not, but I’ve recorded a conversation with fellow sewing podcaster, Maria Theoharous from Sew Organised Style, that will give you some insights anyway!  Maria and I came up with lots of fun and illuminating questions to pose to one another. We talked for so long that we're splitting this chat into two episodes, the second part will…
Jun 3, 2024 #137: 5 Ways to Update Unworn Me-Mades
Whether it’s because you just participated in Me-Made-May, or you’ve recently had a wardrobe sort out, what do you do with the items you find yourself no longer wearing? In this week’s solo episode, I advise you on how to diagnose why you’re not wearing them. I then suggest five different ways you can update those garments so that you’re excited to wear them again!  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image…
May 27, 2024 #136: Activism in Real Life with Beedy Parker
Does the climate and ecological crisis just feel too massive to deal with sometimes? When it all feels so overwhelming, it can be tempting to tap out completely and disengage. That’s totally understandable. However, my guest today, Beedy Parker, shows us that it is entirely possible to participate in climate related activism and action, whilst continuing to lead a happy and exciting life. From attempting to…
May 20, 2024 #135: How to Triage your Mends with Jeanna Wigger
Have you ever found yourself unsure of how to proceed with fixing a damaged garment? The two most common stumbling blocks are knowing what mending technique to use, and knowing what materials are the best choice to create a long lasting repair. Today mending expert Jeanna Wigger and I guide you on how to triage your mending pile and answer those tricky questions. We then go on to respond to some mending dilemmas…
May 13, 2024 #134: You Can Mend Clothes
Are you interested in mending your clothes but you’re just not sure where to begin? For this episode, we’re taking a different approach to the topic of mending in that this episode is for complete beginners, no prior knowledge of sewing is needed or assumed AT ALL. But for the regular listeners who already engage in sewing and mending, this episode is kind of for you too. It’s an excellent resource to forward on to…
May 6, 2024 #133: Mending in Public
Mending your clothes to keep them in use for longer is a vital part of sewing and living more sustainably. But how can we amplify the positive impact of mending our clothes? Answer: By mending them in public! By mending in public, not only are you reducing the annual carbon and water footprint of your clothing, but you’re helping to normalise these actions for other people! On the 20th April 2024 hundreds of…
Apr 29, 2024 #132: A season of mending with Jeanna Wigger
Dedicating an entire season to acts of mending is a bold move. As you may know, the most recent round of the Winter of Care and Repair challenge just wrapped up. In this episode the challenge’s creator, Jeanna Wigger, and I catch up to review the experience, both as individual participants and as members of this vibrant and inspiring global community of menders. So whether you’re in the southern hemisphere with…
Apr 22, 2024 #131: Self-Drafting for Fitting Success with Elisalex Jewell
Do you want to create well fitting clothes, but you’re put off by having to make lots of changes to your pattern plus multiple toiles to test the fit? My guest, Elisalex Jewell, is an anythor and one of the founders of sewing pattern brand By Hand London. Elisalex tells us why self drafting using your own body measurements might be for you.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Elisalex Jewell is the…
Apr 15, 2024 #130: Zoe & Kim go to The Stitch Festival
How can you attend a large sewing event more sustainably? Is it possible to avoid getting overwhelmed, to avoid regrettable impulse purchases and to actually enjoy yourself? I take my pal and previous-guest Kim Witten to her first major sewing event, The Stitch Festival in London. We gather advice on how to make the most of these events whilst getting inspired, making considered purchases and connecting with the…
Mar 25, 2024 #129: How to Sew Clothes From Fabric Scraps
Would you like to have new types of creative fun whilst saving money AND reducing your environmental impact? Sewing clothes from fabric scraps gives you all these things, AND the results are always completely unique. Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learnt over the years about sewing clothes from scraps. And although there’s never a right way or wrong way to approach sewing with scraps, these pointers will help…
Mar 18, 2024 #128: Scrap Strategies, Part 2
Have you got your fabric scrap strategy sorted yet? This is the second part of the Scrap Strategies episodes and we’ll be discovering more systems, solutions and uses from the Check Your Thread listeners. Then we summarise all we’ve learnt to help YOU choose what’s best for you! Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image source: Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels Listen to: Ep. #119: Seasonal Stash Organisation Check out…
Mar 11, 2024 #127: Scrap Strategies, Part 1
If you’re a garment sewer, I’m sure you’re more than aware of how quickly fabric scraps and leftovers can start to pile up. Your fabric scraps contain so much creative potential, but you need some strategies in place so they don’t overwhelm you. In this episode, we hear from CYT listeners who share what scraps they keep, how they store them, and what they use them for. Use these responses to form your own scrap…
Mar 4, 2024 #126: Sew the Precious with Stephanie Canada
Are there fabrics in your stash that you’re just too scared to cut into? I talk with Stephanie Canada, vintage sewing pattern and fabric seller, about when and why it's ok to use the precious fabric. Plus she shares her sourcing secrets, and tells us when it’s important to chuck vintage sewing resources in the bin…  Support the podcast over on Patreon! The website I used to research the sustainability…
Feb 26, 2024 #125: Vintage Sewing Not Vintage Values with Stephanie Canada
Do vintage sewing patterns make you swoon but you’re scared to try actually sewing with them? Vintage pattern obsessive and Youtube queen, Stephanie Canada, unpacks the perceived obstacles that may be holding you back. We also discuss the enjoyment of vintage style without the perpetuation of vintage values, and how using vintage resources might help us sew more sustainably.  Support the podcast over on…
Feb 19, 2024 #124: Fearless Sewing with Tony Rea
What would it be like if we could enjoy complete freedom within our sewing lives? Free from the shoulds and shouldn’ts, the fears and even past experiences? My guest, Tony Rea, tells us how this mindset took him from sewing newbie to top-three-finalist of sewing’s most famous competition: The Great British Sewing Bee. Plus, Tony shares his formula for sewing more sustainably (spoiler alert: it involves a lot of…
Feb 12, 2024 #123: Sewing When Your Wardrobe is Full
Is your wardrobe stuffed with me-mades? Whatever role garment sewing plays in your life, after a while, the clothes can really start to pile up. So how can we continue to take pleasure in sewing, without adding to your problem of too many clothes? Image source: Megan Lee via UnSplash Idea No. 1: Challenging ourselves. Hear more about hand stitching clothing: Ep. #15: Hand Stitching Clothes with Louisa…
Feb 5, 2024 #122: Zero Waste Sewing for Kids with Liz Elliott
What are the unique challenges that designing zero waste sewing patterns for children throws up? And the ways in which it might actually be easier? In this episode, Liz Elliott, the designer behind Thread Faction Studio, gives us a fascinating insight into her business and processes. We also discuss navigating life when your role as a parent and as a business owner are entwined.  Support the podcast over on…
Jan 29, 2024 #121: Creative and Resourceful Sewing with Judy Williment-Ross
Do you enjoy hearing the whys and the hows behind other people’s sewing projects? Previous-guest, Judy Williment-Ross, is one of the most prolific, resourceful and creative makers I know. In this episode, Judy talks us through the ideas and development behind some of her more recent projects. She also shares her secrets to creating professional looking garments out of op-shop finds and fabric scraps.  Support…
Jan 22, 2024 #120: How to care for your sewing machine with Bizz McKilligan
Do you know what your sewing machine needs to stay in good working order? What equipment is required for that? What issues can be tackled at home, and when should we call in the professionals? And what’s the best way to become the professional, if that’s of interest to us? These are just some of the questions my guest, sewing machine technician, Bizz McKilligan, answers in today’s episode. Bizz is also the owner of…
Jan 15, 2024 #119: Seasonal Stash Organisation
Do you have a system for organising your fabric stash? I didn’t until recently. In this episode I’m sharing my own method of organisation that I’m calling the ‘seasonal stash’. This system is allowing me to unlock the potential in what I already own, whilst stopping it from feeling overwhelming. Could the ‘seasonal stash’ system help YOU?! Support the podcast over on Patreon! (image source: Mel Poole via Unsplash)…
Jan 8, 2024 #118: Last Sewist Standing with Lise Bauer
Could you go for a year without buying fabric? Or even a couple of months? I speak to Lise Bauer about what Last Sewist Standing, the ultimate stash busting challenge that she created, can do for you. In this episode, the second in the Fabric Stash mini-series, we discuss shopping habits and motivations, perfectionism, habit building, resourcefulness, community, accountability and so so much more. Plus you NEED to…
Jan 1, 2024 #117: Fabric Goals for 2024
Would you like to bring your sustainability values and your sewing life into closer alignment in 2024? If so, one key area to focus on is materials. In this episode, CYT listeners share their fabric-related goals for the year ahead. Which ones resonate with you?  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Check out the ‘Introduction to Garment Fabrics’ guide. Find the Stash Hub app on their website, on IG…
Dec 11, 2023 #116: Improv Scrap Play with Sherri Lynn Wood
Would you like to get more creative with your fabric scraps, but you’re just not sure how to approach it? You could be missing out on a whole heap of fun, if only you could learn how to be more receptive to their potential. My guest this week is improv quilting artist and teacher, Sherri Lynn Wood. Sherri Lynn defines the two types of creativity as ‘active’ and ‘receptive’. As garment sewers, we are used to…
Dec 4, 2023 #115: Winter of Care and Repair with Jeanna Wigger
Is your pile of items to be repaired getting out of hand? Do you struggle to find the motivation to tackle it all? My guest, Jeanna Wigger, invented a challenge called Winter of Care and Repair, and it might be just the push you need to get on top of things! We talk about the fun and satisfaction that can be found through acts of repair, as well as the unique challenges and growth opportunities that come through…
Nov 27, 2023 #114: More Sustainable Haberdashery with Richard Mendham
All the materials that go into our sewing projects have an environmental impact. You’re probably starting to think about more sustainable fabric, and possibly even thread. But we can go further! This episode features the second half of my conversation with Richard Mendham from James Tailoring, a company dedicated to sourcing more sustainable haberdashery. In this part, he tells us about our options for more…
Nov 20, 2023 #113: More Sustainable Gifts to Make & Buy
If you’re looking for ideas for quick and cheap sewing projects that make great gifts then this is the episode for you. And if there is a maker in your life that you’d like to buy something special for, or people are asking for gift ideas that they can get for YOU, Grace from Beyond Measure talks me through some of the beautiful and useful items she sells that might fit the bill.  Support the podcast over on…
Nov 13, 2023 #112: Gardening More Sustainably with Pippa Chapman
If you’re a fan of making your own clothes, chances are you might also be into growing some of your own food. And like this week’s guest, garden consultant Pippa Chapman, highlights, once you start trying to be more sustainable in one area of your life, that approach usually spreads to other areas. In this episode Pippa actually takes the reins and gives me a consultation about my own little garden. She offers up…
Nov 6, 2023 #111: Joyful, Mindful Sewing with Lena King
Have you ever found yourself feeling unhappy with your sewing output? You’re making more items than your wardrobe can handle, or a lot of them are styles that you rarely wear in your regular life? Or both? My guest, Lena King, recently realised that her sewing output was no longer in alignment with her goals. In this episode she talks about what was going wrong and what she plans to do about it.   Support…
Oct 30, 2023 #110: Knitting & Stitching Show 2023
How much is the mainstream sewing industry adopting a sustainability mindset these days? I went to the Knitting & Stitching show in London at the beginning of Oct 2023 to investigate. I tried to unearth any ethical and eco-minded motivations among the commerce taking place. So come with me and listen to the conversations I had and the conclusions I came to… Support the podcast over on Patreon! Spending the day with…
Oct 23, 2023 #109: More Sustainable Thread Options with Richard from James Tailoring
Do you worry about the hundreds of metres of polyester thread that most makers get through each year? Is the strength of polyester thread worth its lack of biodegradability? What are the viable alternatives available to us, and can we have the best of both worlds? My guest today is Richard from James Tailoring, a haberdashery business with the goal of bringing us better options. We get into how he started his…
Oct 16, 2023 #108: A More Sustainable Halloween
Does Halloween leave you feeling conflicted? You or your kids want to enjoy it, but the waste it generates leaves you feeling queasy? Today I break down how we can engage in Halloween costumes and decor more sustainably, using the ‘5Rs’ framework for guidance.   Scary Halloween stats from Hubbub and Waste Managed: 33 million people dress up for the Halloween each year in the UK 79% of households with…
Oct 9, 2023 #107: Sewing is Political
Today’s episode explores the idea that sewing, and the actions we take and choices we make whilst engaging in sewing, is full of social and political context. And why that’s a GOOD THING.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! (image by Mika Baumeister via Unsplash) Read the full explanation of the source of ‘the personal is political’ on Britannica. 
Oct 2, 2023 #106: Reframing A Relationship with Clothing with Heidi Parkes
The materials of quilt making and garment sewing are the same. But what can quilt artists teach garment sewists about embedding meaning and connection into our creations? And should our sensory experiences of the textiles we wear alter our career paths? Just two of many intriguing threads of conversation that come up in today’s episode, the second of two with quilt artist Heidi Parkes.  Support the podcast…
Sep 25, 2023 #105: A Habit of Curiosity with Heidi Parkes
Are you, like me, fascinated by people who have been able to express themselves in a variety of disciplines? My guest, Heidi Parkes, is an improvisational quilt artist, mending expert, garment sewist, and so many more things, living in Wisconsin, USA. Heidi explains how developing a habit of curiosity has allowed her to explore her interests whilst moving through different, but connected, creative worlds. This…
Sep 18, 2023 #104: How to Successfully Shop for Second-Hand Sewing Machines
Have you ever bought a second-hand sewing machine and it turned out to be a dud? It didn’t work properly or perhaps it didn’t do the things you needed it to. If so, it may have discouraged you from getting a second hand machine again. And if you haven’t bought a second hand machine before, maybe you have some fears that’s put you off? In this solo episode, I’m going to share some key tips that will help you find a…
Sep 11, 2023 #103: Swimming in A Sea of Scraps with Meg Grandstaff
What do you do when you’re swimming in a sea of fabric and yarn scraps? Previous guest Meg Grandstaff has recently been concerning herself with just this question! This week’s episode is a highly unstructured conversation between myself and Meg, who is currently hosting the #ScrapBustingSeptember challenge. We talk about scraps, of course, but also storms, stashes, shirt dresses and much more.  Support the…
Sep 4, 2023 #102: Sustainability in Food Production with Helen Metcalfe
What is the right choice when buying produce, the loose items, or the organic versions that are wrapped in plastic? Should we be worried about soil degradation and our ability to feed a growing global population? What are the trade-offs we need to make to increase crop yields whilst also protecting biodiversity? We all wear clothes and we all eat food, so if you’re interested in the sustainability of one, it’s…
Aug 28, 2023 #101: How to Prioritise Sewing with Jenny Drew
Jenny Drew wants you to make sewing a priority, and she’s not going to take no for an answer! This is the pep talk that you might not have known you needed. From feminist and mental health perspectives, Jenny explains why we need sewing in our lives. She then tells us how to make sure we actually do it, even when you think you’re too busy.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Jenny Drew is the owner of…
Aug 7, 2023 #100: 100 Lessons from CYT
To celebrate the milestone of 100 episodes, I wrote a list of 100 lessons that I’ve learnt (or relearnt) through making this podcast! From that, I selected ten that had the biggest impact on me, and in this episode I divulge what they are. Plus, we’ll hear from some wonderful listeners from across the globe who share the things they’ve taken away also… Support the podcast over on Patreon! If you’d like to read all…
Jul 31, 2023 #99: Sewing Confessions with Julia and Naomi
Friends-of-the-podcast, Julia and Naomi, are back! The three of us make some sewing-related confessions…. Support the podcast over on Patreon! This episode features Julia Hincks. Her website is House of Miss Sew and you can find her at @juliahincks on Instagram.  She previously featured on: Episode #10: Overlockers & Coverstitch Machines with Julia Hincks Episode #27: Zoe & Julia go Rag Rugging Episode #67:…
Jul 24, 2023 #98: Zero Waste Patterns Book with Birgitta Helmersson
Want to hear about an exciting new development in zero waste sewing? ZW designer Birgitta Helmersson has written an incredible new book that presents a fresh approach to making your own clothes with minimal waste. Birgitta is back on the podcast to tell us all about it, plus she shares tips on using second hand linens for ZW garment projects.   Support the podcast over on Patreon! Image credit: Emli…
Jul 17, 2023 #97: Introduction to Garment Fabrics
A garment project that fails because it’s made from unsuitable fabric is both heartbreaking and costly. But navigating the selection available in fabric shops and online can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re new to garment sewing, or have recently returned after some years. So in this solo episode, we’re going back to the basics of fabric. We’ll be laying the foundations on which to build our knowledge of…
Jul 10, 2023 #96: Pattern Fitting Q&A with Kate Roberts
This week’s episode is the second with pattern cutting and fit expert, Kate Roberts from Project Patterns. We talk about how we can build up our own bank of fitting knowledge, and we get into some trouser fitting nitty gritty. Kate also explores how to adapt seemingly gendered sewing patterns for different bodies.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! You can find my road test/review of the free laminated wash…
Jul 3, 2023 #95: Refining Fit with Kate Roberts
How much time do you set aside during your sewing project for fitting and making pattern adjustments? An hour? Half a day? None at all? Pattern cutter and fitting expert Kate Roberts tells us why we can’t expect sewing patterns to fit right out of the pack. Kate also shares her TNT method for assessing the fit of a garment, and gives awesome tips for successful solo fit sessions.  Support the podcast over on…
Jun 26, 2023 #94: Garmology Podcast – Design for Repairability with Rosanna Watson
This week I’m mixing things up and sharing an episode of the Garmology podcast by Nick Johannessen, AKA Well Dressed Dad. This episode features a genuinely engrossing conversation between Nick and his guest Rosanna Watson about outdoor gear and professional repair. If you’re interested in mending or product design, this is a must-listen. Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find everything Garmology podcast…
Jun 19, 2023 #93: Sewing for Social Empowerment with Poornima at Kundakala
Most of us who listen to (and make!) this podcast are used to thinking about sewing as a pastime and option for clothing ourselves. A hobby with many wonderful benefits. But for others, sewing skills are a powerful tool that can change lives: preventing isolation, providing connection, offering employment opportunities and raising self-esteem. Poornima Kirloskar-Saini started a social enterprise called Kundakala,…
Jun 12, 2023 #92: Self Coaching for Sewing Success with Kim Witten
How can we get a handle on our recurring sewing struggles? And what are the steps we need to take to coach ourselves through them? Building on from last episode’s discussion on gathering self knowledge, transformational coach and crafter, Kim Witten, gives us some practical, actionable steps we can take for greater sewing success and enjoyment. We also explore how to fall in love (or at least like) with garments…
Jun 5, 2023 #91: Self Knowledge for Sewing Success with Kim Witten
How much do you really know yourself, and how does self knowledge relate to your enjoyment of sewing? Yep, today we’re tackling some big questions with transformational coach and crafter, Kim Witten. What kind of learner are you? How closely do you follow the ‘rules’? What patterns of behaviour do you display when presented with challenges? We get into all this and learn how we can use self awareness to make…
May 29, 2023 #90: Introduction to Pattern Hacking
Have you ever tried pattern hacking (making changes to a sewing pattern to create a different look)? This episode is a wide ranging introduction to the topic. Whether you are new to this practice, or are a more seasoned ‘hacker’, by the end of this you should feel emboldened by the infinite possibilities!   Support the podcast over on Patreon! The patchwork denim quilted jacket is finally finished! Read…
May 22, 2023 #89: Threads of Sustainability with Bridget O’Flaherty
This week we’re diving into the world of quilting more sustainably! Quilter and textile artist, Bridget O’Flaherty, makes Threads of Sustainability: a podcast with remarkably similar motivations to CYT. We discuss the many parallels between our perspective disciplines in relation to sustainability, and some of the areas where they diverge. Support the podcast over on Patreon! Tips on how to build and maintain…
May 15, 2023 #88: Natural Dyeing Q&A with Amy Taylor
Do you have questions about natural dyeing? Like, what is the most accessible way to have a go? Return-guest and natural dye expert, Amy Taylor, breaks it all down and answers all the questions submitted by CYT listeners.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Ms Amy Taylor at her website and on Instagram @msamytaylor.  Listen to Amy’s first appearance on Check Your Thread: Episode #13: Natural Dyeing…
May 8, 2023 #87: Sew Sustainable Fair 2023
Were you unable to attend the Sew Sustainable Fair in London last month? Would you have liked to have been there? Well, through the power of audio, in this episode you can come along with me to the event! Hear some of the awesome conversations I had with the organisers, helpers and businesses in attendance, plus my ramblings as I travel to and from the venue.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find some…
May 1, 2023 #86: Garment Alterations with Naomi Fata
Do you have garments in your wardrobe, self-made or otherwise, that you really like but you never wear because they don’t fit you well? Could you use some advice on how to approach the alteration process, evaluate those garments and work out what’s possible? Alterations expert, Naomi Fata, talks with me about all this and more. We cover when it’s worth attempting an alteration, when it’s better to live with the…
Apr 24, 2023 #85: Everyday Activism with Rachel AKA the Crap Activist
Do you consider yourself a climate activist? If many of your everyday life decisions are made with the planet in mind, then you definitely should. Rachel, AKA The Crap Activist, chose to fast track her activism by making one positive change every single day for an entire year. She shares her surprising wins and fails, and gives tips on successfully bringing your family along for the ride… Support the podcast over…
Apr 3, 2023 #84: What is Me-Made-May?
Are you planning to challenge yourself in Me-Made-May this year? Have you taken part in the past? Are you not sure what I’m talking about? Or do you have a good idea, but you’d like a refresher? This explainer episode tells you everything you need to know to get the most from the annual wardrobe challenge that I accidentally started 14 years ago!  Note: this episode originally aired in March 2022. …
Mar 27, 2023 #83: The Role of Refashioning with Portia Lawrie
What are the benefits of refashioning for those of us who like to sew our own clothes? For years, Portia Lawrie has focused her creativity on refashioning, and has just written an excellent book, ‘The Re:fashion Wardrobe’, which contains all her hard-won knowledge, approaches and tips. In this episode, Portia makes the case for why more of YOUR projects should start with existing textiles… Support the podcast over…
Mar 20, 2023 #82: Fabric First with Rachel Kirby
Could you sew only with second hand fabric? No more fabric shopping, only thrifting and receiving donations. Would that feel frustrating, or would it unlock some inner creativity and resourcefulness? Space scientist and passionate maker, Rachel Kirby, sews almost exclusively within this limitation, and spills the tea on how and why it works for her.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Rachel Kirby can be…
Mar 13, 2023 #81: Travel, Sustainability and Sewing with Shams el-Din Rogers
Will you be taking any trips this year? Are you a short, city-break kind of traveller, or do you have a more adventurous trip planned? There’s no denying that travel in any form has an environmental impact to some degree, but how can we travel more sustainably? And how can sewing help us to do that? CYT regular, Shams el-Din Rogers, and I discuss all this and more, and in the process offer up heaps of suggestions…
Mar 6, 2023 #80: Rescuing Resources with Noah Hirsch
Do you ever think about all the useful stuff that gets thrown away, every single day, and how to get it into the hands of people who need it? Return-guest Noah Hirsch tells us all about his dumpster diving and mutual aid activities which help feed and clothe members of his community. Plus, he shares some exciting plans… Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Noah Hirsch on Instagram @yung_curmudgeon Listen to…
Feb 27, 2023 #79: Cultivating a Responsible Sewing Business with Sarai Mitnick
This is the second episode with Seamwork owner, Sarai Mitnick. In this one Sarai shares the fascinating story of how Seamwork became B-corp certified, and her motivations for going through that challenging process. And Sarai offers up insights and ideas for making your sewing process more intentional that you can apply today. Support the podcast over on Patreon! Sarai is the founder and owner of the Seamwork…
Feb 20, 2023 #78: Slow Sewing and Seamwork with Sarai Mitnick
This is the first of two episodes with Sarai Mitnick, a major influence in the sewing scene for over 15 years. Sarai chats with me about the birth and evolution of the online sewing community, and the role that her businesses, Colette Patterns and Seamwork, have played. Plus Sarai talks about how her own podcast, Seamwork Radio, has changed, from being a storytelling platform to a medium to spread a slow-sewing…
Feb 13, 2023 #77: Stashes and Spaces with Shams el-Din Rogers
One of my very favourite podcast guests is back! Textile activist Shams el-Din Rogers and I have a fun and thought-provoking conversation about fabric stashes, storage and space. As always, Shams brings her insight and wisdom as we explore many of the implications of these topics as they relate to sustainability, and we compare notes as an American and a European. Plus! Shams sets herself a goal... Support the…
Feb 6, 2023 #76: Sewing for Body Changes, Part 2
The Sewing for Body Changes episode (#72) received more comments and feedback than almost any other episode to date. Lots of listeners generously shared their own tactics for making clothes for their fluctuating bodies. It was clear that there’s more to be said on this underserved topic, so I felt an update episode was in order…  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Jen Gale of Sustainable(ish) podcast’s…
Jan 30, 2023 #75: Go Recreate with Linnea Larsson
Linnea Larsson is a multidisciplinary creative from Sweden with a passion for reusing existing materials. An architect by day, Linnea spent the nap times during her maternity leave sewing her own unwanted garments into baby clothes. She also decided to make a book to encourage and guide others to do the same! ‘Restyle & Restitch for little ones’ comes out in English this week, and I got to talk to Linnea all about…
Jan 23, 2023 #74: Recognition and Responsibility with Alexis Bailey
My conversation with Alexis Bailey of Fibr & Cloth Studio continues. We chat about the celebration of Black pattern designers during Black History Month. Alexis also shares her approach and commitment to creating zero waste sewing patterns, and her thoughts on the responsibility sewers and designers have towards waste.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Alexis Bailey’s slow sewing space is Fibr & Cloth…
Jan 16, 2023 #73: The Seeds of Slow Sewing with Alexis Bailey
This episode is the first of two featuring hand-sewing expert and pattern designer Alexis Bailey. We hear how her multifaceted slow-sewing business, Fibr & Cloth Studio, grew from a frustration she felt whilst travelling, and how the pandemic presented her with the perfect conditions to launch. Alexis also shares how becoming a pattern designer was foisted upon her!  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Check…
Jan 9, 2023 #72: Sewing for Body Changes
As sustainably-minded garment makers, our goal is to make items that will have a long life and see lots of use. But what about when our bodies change? Everyone experiences fluctuations in shape and size, so in this solo episode I explore how we can future proof our garment projects to accommodate that fact.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Outerwear patterns Coats and jackets: The Richmond Coat by Tessuti…
Jan 2, 2023 #71: Making Personal Manifestos with Kim Witten
Happy New Year! I propose we kick things off by creating personal manifestos that will see us through 2023 and beyond! By defining our own personal vision, mission, strategy and tactics, never again will we need to ask ourselves, ‘What should I be doing right now?’ or ‘Is this course of action right for me?’.  I’ve invited my friend and former coach, Kim Witten, whose work focuses on strategic expert thinking,…
Dec 12, 2022 #70: The Fold Line with Kate Underdown
If there is anyone related to the sewing community who has a strong handle on sewing trends, in all senses, it’s Kate Underdown. As co-founder of The Fold Line, Kate created a business that has pivoted a number of times, but has always been a hub for learning about new pattern releases and a digest for the best and most exciting sewing-related content. In this conversation we hear about the journey The Fold Line…
Dec 5, 2022 #69: Making Mindfully with Judy Williment-Ross
Judy Williment-Ross is a New Zealand-based maker who broke the internet when her lockdown project, the Epic Dress, was featured on the SewOver50 Instagram account. Clearly not afraid of getting in deep, Judy explains to me how she chooses which projects are worth investing her time in, and lays out her personal rules, ethics and criteria for selecting and using second hand materials. She also gives us tips on…
Nov 28, 2022 #68: Visible Vs Invisible Mending
This episode is a fun exploration into the qualities of, and differences between, visible and invisible mending. What are their strengths and when are they likely to be victorious?  Taking a deeper look into these approaches to mending can give us a clearer idea of how we want to tackle each repair job we are presented with. Which one will you deploy for your next mending project? Support the podcast over on…
Nov 23, 2022 #67: Zoe and Julia Sew with Reclaimed Denim
Back in August, myself and friend-of-the-podcast Julia Hincks attended a class where we explored the possibilities of denim reclaimed from unwanted jeans. As predominantly garment sewers, Julia and I were encouraged out of our comfort zone at craft studio Made & Making, and nudged into the realms of homeware and accessories. In this little episode, we share what new skills we learned, and what we came home with……
Nov 14, 2022 #66: Conscious Yarn Choices with Saskia de Feijter
With the goal of fleshing out my me-made wardrobe with cosy garments, I’ve taken up knitting. However, even at this beginner stage, I really want to make more sustainable and ethical choices. In this episode, knitting expert and previous-guest Saskia de Feijter metaphorically holds my hand and talks me through what to look for when selecting yarn for my next project. Saskia tells me about how fibre type and…
Nov 7, 2022 #65: Sewing Sunflowers with Jess Redgrave
Former fashion designer Jess Redgrave began to feel a growing disillusionment with the clothing industry due to the damaging practices she witnessed. This led her to quit and sign up to study alternatives to the unsustainable realities of modern clothing production. Having found several exciting avenues into the potential of sunflowers, Jess is working on ideas that could shape the future of what we wear and what…
Oct 31, 2022 #64: Sewing Trends More Sustainably
Clothing trends are collective reactions to, or interpretations of, what’s going on in the world. But are they the antithesis of dressing and sewing more sustainably? In this solo episode, I discuss how, even if you don’t read Vogue or keep up with popular culture, trends can manifest in our sewing projects and wardrobes, and how they play an important part in social discourse. I then set out some guidelines for…
Oct 24, 2022 #63: Sewing and Personal Power with Brandon Hayden
My guest for Ep.#63, Brandon Hayden, shares both his amazing creations and positive personal philosophy under the Instagram handle @happilydressed. Since high school, thrifting has always been Brandon’s method for carving out a unique visual identity. Initially, he got a sewing machine to complement his thrifting, which gave him the ability to alter items he found. But soon after, this Atlanta-based creative then…
Oct 17, 2022 #62: Made My Wardrobe with Lydia Higginson
Episode #62 features a conversation that I had with Lydia Higginson, owner of Made My Wardrobe, when I visited her studio in Bristol. MMW started as a personal, year-long  challenge to replace her entire wardrobe with self-made items that have meaning stitched into every piece. This led Lydia to discover a passion for teaching people to sew, which in turn led to the development of her pattern range, and so…
Oct 10, 2022 #61: Sewing to Keep Warm
Today’s episode is another installment which looks at using sewing skills to save money. With the rise in energy and fuel costs, many of us will be keeping the heating off in our homes as much as possible this winter. So how can we use our sewing skills to keep the chills at bay? I answer this question by sharing clothing, accessories and homeware projects we can make to keep our bodies and our spaces as toasty as…
Oct 3, 2022 #60: Exploring Female Culture and Identity with Sophie Passmore
You don’t often get to dig deep into your friends’ interior experiences and philosophies, but that’s what I’m doing today. My friend Sophie is possibly the most resourceful and creative person I’ve met. In Ep. #35 we heard about her fascinating journey with Mask Makers UK during the pandemic. In this one (Ep. #60), Sophie traces the sources of her inventive and self-sufficient nature to her experiences of feminism,…
Sep 26, 2022 #59: Tools for Life with Grace Whowell
Episode 59 includes a conversation with Grace Whowell, owner of the UK craft business Beyond Measure. BM aims to sell beautiful and useful tools and supplies for makers focusing on textiles. Grace sources the kinds of high-quality tools that could become future heirlooms to be handed down through generations of crafters. However, as we hear, that is just one of the ways that she keeps sustainability and social…
Sep 19, 2022 #58: Sewing on a Budget
The second part of a two-part mini series about sewing and saving. Episode 58 focuses on how we can keep sewing-related costs down to make it more accessible to those working with a tight budget. Specifically we look at saving money on machinery, fabric, haberdashery and sewing patterns. This episode is packed with tips and approaches to allow us to do more of the kinds of sewing we most enjoy, whilst spending…
Sep 12, 2022 #57: Can Sewing Save You Money?
This is first of a two-part series about sewing and saving and buckle up because it starts with an unapologetically political rant about the current cost of living crisis. I then explore the question, ‘Can sewing save you money?’ looking at mending, garment making, quilt making and making reusable products. I also share a listener question about opportunities to use sewing skills in a voluntary capacity to help…
Sep 5, 2022 #56: Sustainable(ish) with Jen Gale
Writer, podcaster and speaker Jen Gale is one of my biggest inspirations. She is a busy mum of two living a ‘normal’ life, whilst continually seeking out ways to limit her family’s environmental impact. She shares her discoveries across different media, including via her books and her podcast, Sustainable(ish), which is an amazing resource for fascinating, inspiring conversations. In this episode (#56) we talk…
Aug 29, 2022 #55: The Challenges of Zero Waste Design with Birgitta Helmersson
In last week’s episode, we heard about the journey that led designer Birgitta Helmersson to create clothing and sewing patterns that follow zero waste principles. This episode (#55) features the second part of our conversation, and in it we get stuck into Birgitta’s process and the challenges faced when producing ZW designs. Birgitta also talks about her deep love of textiles, the roots of which she traces back to…
Aug 22, 2022 #54: A Journey to Zero Waste with Birgitta Helmersson
This 54 is the first of two featuring a conversation with Swedish-Australian designer Birgitta Helmersson. Known in the sewing community as a zero waste pattern designer, Birgitta also produces a range of ZW clothing which she sells from her shop/studio in Malmö. Prior to this, Birgitta had a diverse and convoluted career in fashion design, costume, alterations, pattern cutting and garment manufacture, which makes…
Aug 15, 2022 #53: First Birthday / Ask Me Anything with Zoe, Julia and Naomi
The Check Your Thread podcast is one year old!!!! We just took a fortnight off after creating 52 weekly episodes, and today we’re back with an ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode! Aided by friends-of-the-podcast Julia Hincks and Naomi Bancroft, we read out and discuss some awesome questions submitted by CYT listeners. We cover favourite scrap projects, how we interact (or don’t) with sewing trends, what gives me hope when…
Jul 25, 2022 #52: Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear with Bella Gonshorovitz
For the 52nd episode of Check Your Thread, I’m speaking with a fascinating and multi-faceted creative named Bella Gonshorovitz. Originally from Tel Aviv and currently living and working in London, Bella is a fashion designer, maker, author and collaborator who has recently had her first book published. ‘Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear - From seed to style the sustainable way’ is about creating garments that are infused with…
Jul 18, 2022 #51: Creating Connection with Barley Massey
Barley Massey is the owner of Fabrications, a wonderful shop, studio and maker’s space on Broadway Market in East London. Barley is an artist, maker, teacher and activist who uses her space to explore and to teach resourcefulness through creativity. A fundamental aspect of Barley’s work is the fostering of real-life community, providing support, connection and inspiration in an area with increasingly disparate…
Jul 11, 2022 #50: The Future of Fabrics
In Episode 50 I report back from my recent visit to the Future Fabrics Expo in London. I got to discover what fabrics, fibres, textiles and haberdashery with more sustainable credentials are already on the market. Plus I learnt about some exciting new products and technologies currently in development that offer creative solutions to some of fashion’s biggest issues. I share all this plus my predictions and hopes…
Jul 4, 2022 #49: Sewing as Art and Political Action with Shams el-Din Rogers
Textile activist Shams el-Din Rogers is back on Check Your Thread! In this episode, #49, Shams shares more powerful and thought-provoking ideas focusing on sewing as it relates to sustainability, economic self-sufficiency, feminism, gender/relationship dymanics and cultural appropriation. For example, she encourages us to question how and why those of us who have periods have become reliant on disposable menstrual…
Jun 27, 2022 #48: How to Knit More Sustainably with Saskia de Feijter
Episode 48 gets stuck into the sizable ‘sister’ topic of how to knit more sustainably! I had the pleasure of talking to knitting podcaster, community leader, marketing expert and former yarn-shop owner, Saskia de Feijter from Ja, Wol and A Smaller Life podcast as the second part of our recent podcast swap. She explained to me how as a beginner knitter, I could approach knitting from a more sustainable angle. Then…

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Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

About Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

Episodes

#247: Visible Mending: a Sight and Sign of Privilege? &#8211; Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

#246: Protecting Our Creativity From Capitalism &#8211; Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

#245: The State of Sewing &#8211; Knit + Stitch Show 2026

#244: Holding and Working to Your Values with Tatjana Harttung

#243: Sew The Precious

More podcasts and shows

#247: Visible Mending: a Sight and Sign of Privilege? – Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

#246: Protecting Our Creativity From Capitalism – Kat Camfield with Kathryn DeZur

#245: The State of Sewing – Knit + Stitch Show 2026